Codependency:

Definition:

Codependency refers to a dysfunctional pattern of behavior where individuals excessively rely on others for their sense of self-worth and identity, often at the expense of their own needs and well-being.

Characteristics:

• Low self-esteem and a constant need for approval from others.
• An inability to set healthy boundaries or express personal opinions.
• An intense fear of being abandoned or rejected.
• A tendency to excessively care for and rescue others, often neglecting one’s own needs.
• An overwhelming desire to control or change others’ behavior.
• A high degree of emotional reliance on others, leading to emotional volatility.

Causes:

• Growing up in dysfunctional families with addiction, abuse, or neglect.
• Experiencing traumatic or enmeshed relationships in childhood or adulthood.
• Being raised in an environment that emphasizes self-sacrifice and ignoring personal needs.
• Having a predisposition towards people-pleasing and being overly compassionate.

Effects:

• Chronic feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-worth.
• Difficulty in developing and maintaining healthy relationships.
• Tendency to attract and enable individuals with addictions or other destructive behaviors.
• Lack of personal fulfillment and focus on meeting others’ needs.
• Unresolved emotional issues and a cycle of repeated dysfunctional patterns.

Treatment:

Treatment for codependency often involves therapy, support groups, and self-help techniques to address underlying traumas, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and establish assertiveness and boundary-setting skills.